Sun safety made simple: “Slip! Slop! Slap!" by Erin Flynn American Cancer Society When you think of safety at work, the first things that come to mind are probably seasonal issues like pesti­ cides or lightning. However, a great risk affecting golf professionals yearround is right under your nose (and, if you’re not careful, on your nose): skin cancer. Each year more Americans are diag­ nosed with skin cancer than any other form of the disease. The good news is that this cancer, which affects nearly Inside this issue What happens in Kansas? . . . . 2 A look inside GCSAA board meetings Lowell family honored............... 3 ’’Golf Family of the Year” Westwoods GC July meeting host, Kevin D 'A m ico .............4 CAGCS Annual Invitational August 1st - Watertown GC host, Bob V iera........................5 Grass Catcher..................... 6 & 7 one million Americans annually, is easily cured if detected and treated early. The bad news is that the most serious form of skin cancer —malignant me­ lanoma — is on the rise and is increas­ ing faster than the rest. Golf course superintendents have rea­ son to be concerned. According to the American Cancer Society’s Director of Skin Cancer Initiatives Mary O ’Connell, “People who work out­ doors, such as farmers, lifeguards, and golf superintendents, have an increased risk for getting skin cancer because of long hours in the sun.” Learning more about sun safety can help reduce the risk. For example, peo­ ple who work outside should protect themselves from damaging ultraviolet rays which are present even on cloudy days and reflect off such light surfaces as water, sand, concrete, and snow. “The best way to protect your skin is to put a barrier between you and the sun,” says O’Connell. “Since one bar­ rier won’t cover everything, it is im­ portant they be used in combination. This can mean wearing a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, and using sunscreen where your skin is exposed.” She added that (continued on page 3) Dursban remains labeled for golf course applications Indianapolis, Ind. (June 8, 2000) -- Dow AgroSciences LLC announced an agreement with the United States En­ vironmental Protection Agency (EPA) that will allow the continued use of Dursban insecticide (chlorpyrifos) on golf courses. Chlorpyrifos products were among the First scrutinized under new standards resulting from the pas­ sage of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA). “W e’re pleased that golf course superintendents will continue to real­ ize the benefits of this product,” said Bruce Miehle, general manager for Turf and Ornamental Products at Dow AgroSciences. “Dursban products have been on the market for more than 30 years. More than 3,600 studies and reports have been conducted examining critical aspects of chlorpyrifos products as they relate to health and safety. No other insect control product has been researched more thoroughly.” The agreement that Dow AgroSci­ ences announced includes a voluntary cancellation of most in-and-aroundthe-home uses of chlorpyrifos in the U.S., including use of the product as a full-barrier termiticide treatment in (continued on page 10) What do you do out there in Kansas, anyway? Tim O'Neill brings CAGCS members inside the GCSAA boardroom During the past couple of months, Tim O’Neill’s position as director on the GCSAA board has required that he travel to GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, KS, for two separate meetings. A general meeting was held first—on May 4 and 5. About a month later—June 9 and 10—Tim joined the Membership Standards Resource Group (MSRG) for a meeting to discuss the Professional Development Initiative (PDI). Here, Tim offers a look at the inner workings—and the out­ comes—of these two “meetings of the minds.” wetting agents, biostimulants, fertilizers, and soil amendments ♦ Web Strategy Committee progress ♦ the PDI communication plan ♦ the appointment of Robert Maibusch, MG, CGCS, as a director for the 2000 presidential year I found this agenda breakdown to be a highly impressive and professional way in which to conduct association business. D ay The Spring Board Meeting Meetings of the GCSAA board are all business—and a lot of prepwork. Two weeks before each of the meet­ ings, a packet of information arrived on my doorstep so I could be well briefed and prepared for the sessions. For the May meeting, I received two books—each one pertaining to a sep­ arate day of the meeting. Day one’s book contained reports, issues, and discussion items related to GCSAA and GCSAA Communications, Inc. Day two’s book contained all the materials necessary to discuss GCSAA’s fiscal budget Each day, the board and the execu­ tive officers of the GCSAA staff would convene for the meeting, which President Scott Woodhead would begin promptly at 7 a.m. C A Q CS B w rd fit Plrefiters President - Brian Skelly Vice President - Jud W . Smith Secretary - Dennis J. Houle Treasurer - Les Kennedy, Jr., CGCS Past President - Anthony Grosso Committee Chairpersons Education - Dan Rackliffe, CGCS Golf - John Motycka Membership - Wayne C. Urban Scholarship & Research Christian P. Mauro Social & W elfare - Kimberly Heyl Government Relations Peter R. Pierson Com. Rep. to Board - Skip Deubel D ay One The meeting agenda was divided into three basic areas: 1. Consent items, which are minor issues that require board approval and were generally discussed at a prior meeting. 2. Action items, which are more significant issues that were previously discussed but are now coming before the board for final resolution. 3. Discussion items, which are issues—minor or significant—that are introduced to the board; depending on the sentiment of the board, they’re either killed or tabled for the next meeting as consent or action items. In this meeting, various items were brought up for discussion, including: * a new research program designed to test maintenance products, such as Connecticut Clippings is an official publication of the Connecticut Association of Golf Course Superintendents Newsletter Editor Robert A. Chalifour, CGCS (Ret.) Newsletter Committee David Basconi, Heather Garvin, Edward Goodhouse, Ron Holcomb and Jud W. Smith The Clippings is open to all commentary. Please send your comments to Bob Chalifour, Newsletter Editor, 39 First Street, Groton, CT, 06340. Two The second day focused on issues related to approving the next fiscal budget. We also reviewed the GCSAA Business Plan. GCSAA’s fiscal year begins on July 1. During the approval process, all GCSAA department heads come before the board to discuss and justify their expected expenses and plans for the coming year. As the Membership Committee chairman, it was my responsibility to pay particular attention to the areas dealing with member services and programs. Numerous reports are prepared to clearly map out staff resources and expenditures, right down to stationery and postage. Throughout the entire process, Chief Financial Officer Julian Arrendendo demonstrated a remarkably clear understanding of all facts of asso­ ciation operations. This leg of the meeting was particu­ larly rewarding for me since I was able to walk away with a greater under­ standing of our association business— which includes a $20 million-plus operating budget—and the need for a well-thought-out business plan that ensures growth and improvement. I am happy to report that both fiscally and professionally, GCSAA is well positioned to meet the growing needs of superintendents. The MSRG Meeting The June meeting’s focus was the Professional Development Initiative. Since the New Orleans conference and (continued on page 10) risk fo r getting skin cancer because of Protection Agency, and the U. S. Tennis Association are working together now to develop a national program that will encourage more people to develop sun safety habits. long hours in the sun." Early detection is critical "People who work outdoors, such as golf superintendents, have an increased sun safety habits need to be practiced every day to be effective. Martin W einstock, M.D., Ph.D, Brown University’s Director of Dermatoepidemiology Unit, agrees: “A lot of my skin cancer patients are golfers who haven’t used protection because they were unaware of the dangers.” screen SPF IS or higher liberally and often. It’s best to put on sunscreen before going so the skin has time to absorb it. Slap on a hat. Choose a wide brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears. More options are becoming available as sun-protective clothing manufacturers offer hats with broad visors and removable flaps. Prevention means simple steps. HEALTH & SAFETY To combat this lack of awareness, the American Cancer Society has created the “Slip! Slop! Slap!” cam­ paign to help people protect their skin. The campaign has been featured in public service announcements across the country. Its slogan is: Slip on a shirt. Wear tightly woven fabrics that prevent UV rays from reaching the skin. An easy test is to hold the fabric up to the light. If you can see through it, you aren’t protected. Slop on sunscreen. Apply sun­ Other tips include limiting sun exposure when ultraviolet rays are most intense (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) and wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes. The Skin Protection Federation, a new coalition of more than 30 national organizations brought together by the American Cancer Society, is dedicated to bringing more attention to sun safety issues. Such members as the Golf Course Superin­ tendents Association of America, The Weather Channel, the Environmental Lowell family honored "Golf Family of the Year" shelter in Hartford. The men were paid $1 a day and got room and board,” Walter Lowell said. “My daughter, Heather Garvin,went to the University of Denver and got her degree in psychology, but decided it wasn’t for her,” Walter said. “I told her we needed help around the course. So she went to UMass and earned a degree in their turf manage­ ment program over the winter, and she’s been the superintendent here for 11 years. Her husband, Dana, works here too”. Walter’s wife of 43 years, Phyllis, and daughter, Dawn Miner, and her daughters, Elizabet and Sarah, have also minded the shop over the years. The Lowell family, owners and operators of the Canton Public Golf Course on Route 44 since 1932, were honored as “Golf Family of the Year” on June 5th at the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association annual dinner in New York. The Canton operation is a Lowell family affair. Walter’s grandfather, James E. B. Lowell, built the course and it opened Memorial Day 1932, and James sold it to Walter’s father, James B. Lowell, eight years later. "I remember they built the course with help from the Open Hearth The American Cancer Society recommends cancer-related checkups every three years for those under the age of 40 and every year for those 40 or older. This checkup includes over­ all health counseling (such as tips on how to quit smoking) and examina­ tions of the skin and other organs. During this exam, you will be checked for the main skin cancers, which are basal cell, squamous cell, or melanoma. Basal cell cancer: The majority of skin cancers are basal cells. They develop on the face and ears, grow slowly and usually do not spread to other parts of the body. Basal cells can take the form of a pale, wax-like module or a red, scaly, sharply out­ lined patch. This was once a disease of middle or old age, but is now seen in younger people given their in­ creased sun exposure. Squamous cell cancer: About 20 percent of skin cancers are squa­ mous cells. They appear primarily on (continued on page 8) A Perfect World Were we o f the same mold O f a Walter Lowell, There’d hardly be a speck o f sin. And no finer World to live in: Ah, if the gods that be,— Would flush away the current sins. And begin the World anew; Then, were they to call upon one,— A special Human Being to start in all; One who'll glow beyond all others. In all avenues o f true benevolence; Which Man would you say would be chosen. To fill a New-World with Beauty? Truly, — only one. H e’d be Walt Lowell. Frank Paladino Westwoods - Kevin D'Amico, CGCS host July 11th meeting At the site of the Ridgeview Dairy Farm, Geoff Cornish designed the started working for Charles Baskin, present day Westwoods Golf Club in Jr. at the Country Club of Waterbury. 1960. The Town of Farmington UMASS/Stockbridge, he became the house and hired Kevin D’Amico. superintendent at Highland Golf Club Superintendent of Parks & Golf Course. Westwoods is a par 61 with the Kevin D’Amico, CGCS Date of Meeting: July 11, 2000 ABCD After completing Winter School bought the club in 1981, added a club­ In 1989, Kevin was appointed Westwoods Golf Course Ass't Supt. - Paul Wollenberg years, is a native of Waterbury and 10th hole, par 4,420 yards, as its signature hole. It also has a one-half in Shelton for five years. In his spare time, he enjoys road trips in his 1980 Corvette L81 and camping with friends. Horse racing is another pastime favorite of his. Kevin has two children. His son, acre practice green. In addition, 9 Kevin, is a sergeant in the USMC, holes are in the planning stage. and his daughter, Carissa, will be a Kevin, a CAGCS member for 22 senior at Farmington High School. It's T im e to Take a C loser L ook a t H u n te r G o lf Hunter Rotors are Ready for Any Challenge The World Leader In Gear-Drive Technology Ensure efficient irrigation and reliable performance by installing Hunter Golf rotors from tee to green. They can handle any irrigation challenge on the course and offer an outstanding range of features. Hunter has lead the irrigation industry in gear-drive technology for nearly two decades - and continues to manufacture the world’s best-selling rotors. See your local distributor for an update on a complete Hunter irrigation system with rotors, valves and controllers. AUTHORIZED HUNTER DISTRIBUTOR mBISCOm IR R IG A TIO N - W ATER SYSTEM S Connecticut East Hartford, 888-522-9182 Golf Hdqtrs: Milford, 877-878-0658 Watertown Golf Club will host CAGCS Annual Invitational Tournament August 1st Superintendent: Bob Viera Asst. Superintendent: Doug Cooper Bob is beginning his 41st year as a the mowers and taught new employees golf course superintendent. Like many in the business, Bob became interested when a teenager. At age 14, Bob to mow. When not working, Bob and Betty enjoy playing golf. worked after school and weekends for Buster Brown who revived the New 1915 as a 9-hole course. Over the 1972-73. He was on the committee years, it has changed from its original that started the Scholarship & Research Tournament. In 1984 Bob Watertown Golf Club was built in Bedford Public Links in Massachu­ setts. Upon high school graduation, Bob enlisted in the Army and was in the 9 holes to 27 holes and now it is an 18-hole layout. The original architect is unknown but Geoffrey Cornish has 6th Army Ordinance, a mechanical host CAGCS events — a credit and branch of the Army. Bob used these Eight holes have been redesigned with new bunkers, mounding and tees. skills to help others such as Bill Dest A new wall surrounds the first tee. when he needed a special mower creat­ ed to cut the turf plots at UCONN. Because of his service in the Army Bob attended UMASS/Stockbridge on The signature hole is number 12, a par 4 which has 5 new bunkers and water running through the fairway. industry. This year will also mark another the G.I. Bill, receiving his two-year A trip to the maintenance facility is a walk down memory lane. Bob and deserved retirement at the end of this The CAGCS membership and Board been a part of his life at the course as crew keep a 1950 Dodge truck in working order, along with mowers and of Directors want to thank you for all well as off. Before she retired after turf equipment from the past. your support and wish you and Betty degree in 1958. Bob’s wife of 43 years, Betty, has worked with the club on updates. The course restorations are ongoing. working with Bob for 24 years, Betty Bob served on the CAGCS Board mowed greens, serviced and adjusted for 15 years, serving as President in was the recipient of the Superinten­ dent of the Year Award. Bob has come forward on numerous occasions to honor to his dedication to the milestone for Bob and his wife, Betty. Bob has visited the Social Security office in preparation for a much season. a long, happy and healthy retirement. Owen Regan 1 Bill Ennis A T Sales Associates, Ltd. 1787 Olde Louisquisset Pike Lincoln, Rl 02865 Tel 401-465-8066 Fax 401-729-8163 Pager 800-592-0675 (860) 6 5 8 -2 1 0 0 RECYCLER CT Arborist Lácense #62372 Fully Insured Upcoming Meetings August 1st Annual Invitational Tournament Watertown Golf Club Robert M. Viera, Superintendent August 9th Welcome new members Kenneth Ainsworth - Class C Oronoque Country Club Brett Armstrong - Class Commercial Sawtelle Brothers, Inc. car for your trip to Dallas, GCSAA Travel is ready to help! They have secured special conference and show discounts on both airfares and rental cars and are ready for your call now. Call them directly at 800/442-7220 to make your reservations. August 16th URI Turfgrass Field Day Contact Dr. Bridget Ruemmele Tel: 401/874-2481 Fax: 401/874-5296 September 11th President's Cup & McLaughlin Trophy Orange Hills Country Club Jud Smith, Superintendent * * * * * Eric DeStefano - Class C Twin Hills Country Club CAGCS Annual Family Day August 9th Madison Surf Club Michael Mooney - Class A Pequot Golf Club Shawn T. O'Sullivan - Class B D. Fairchild Wheeler Golf Club * * * * * Room Block - Dallas, TX CAGCS has reserved a block of 30 rooms for the 72nd International Golf Course Conference and Show, Feb. 11-18,2001, in Dallas, TX, at head­ quarters hotel, the Adam’s Mark. As soon as we have received our specially marked hotel reservation forms, we will notify the membership and the process for securing a room in the block will be explained. If you need airline tickets or a rental USGA Recommended Sands Topdressing ~ Divot Mix CAGCS Annual Family Day Madison Surf Club Madison, CT October 3rd Kimberly Heyl, Social & Welfare Chairperson, is in the process of final­ izing the arrangements for a clam bake for the CAGCS annual family day scheduled for August 9th at the Madi­ son Surf Club. The facilities include beach, swim­ ming, areas for volleyball, basketball. Remember to bring your beach equip­ ment (chairs, blankets, towels, etc.) Be sure to make your reservations by August 2nd so we can get an accurate count to our caterer. Scholarship & Research Tournament Tumble Brook Country Club Cindy Johnson, Superintendent Congratulations to Paul and Nancie Sabino on the birth of their daughter, Lilly Marie. Condolences to Les Kennedy, Jr., on the passing of his father, Lester Kennedy, Sr., who was a golf professional at Pawtucket Country Club for over 40 years, retir­ ing in 1983. An accomplished golfer, he was named one of the most promising young players on the PGA tour in 1942 with Lou Worsham. * * * * * Deadline for September issue August 11 Root-Zone Mixes Bunker Sand & Pea Stone cJ-foCCiiton cSanA Tifft Road ~ Slatersville, R I 02876 GMonnecticut ulch Distributors, Inc. * Covering ground since 1978 A llG r o Compost A llG r o M ixes (401)766 -5 0 1 0 Fax (401) 762-4976 Business Address 1300 East St. Suffield, CT. 06078 Mailing Address 1515 North Stone St. W. Suffield, C T 06093 Telephone (860) 623-2987 Fax 292-1047 It’s Time to Take a Closer Look at Hunter Golf Introducing T tstd - W ith the Power of Real-World Visual C ontrol I I I R e a lity -B a se d S o ftw a re w ith A n im a te d G ra p h ic s Hunter Golf introduces Vista, the most advanced and powerful irrigation control system available today. Vista utilizes the precision of your irrigation consultant’s AutoCAD™ design to create realistic 3D graphics that allow you to “drive” every fairway on your course, fine-tuning the system from a realworld golf cart perspective. Advanced yet easy to use, Vista features truly automated programming, real-time dynamic flow balancing and a familiar internet-style interface. See your local distributor and take a closer look at the full range of innovative products from Hunter Golf. 1940 Diam ond Street, San Marcos, California, USA 92069 Tel: 760-744-5240 • Fax: 760-744-7461 • w w w .h u n te rg o lf.c o m lip tli An Innovative Product Line for Efficient Irrigation Management Hunter Industries is the established leader in water-efficient irrigation systems. Founded by industry pioneer Edwin J. Hunter, who held more than 120 patents in the field, Hunter has been associated with golf course irrigation since the 1960s. Today Hunter Golf features a complete line of products to help superintendents reach their goals of maintaining a beautiful, playable course throughout the season while also controlling water, labor and energy costs. Reliable Gear-Driven Rotors Central/Satellite Control Systems Vista Reality-Based Software Viking Decoders Data Retrieval Devices and More H u n t e r G o l f R otors Hunter Golf features a complete line of gear-driven rotors for tees, greens and fairways. They are available as Check-oMatic, Electric or Hydraulic Valve-in-Head and Block, and offer precise distribution of water and convenient through-the-top adjustments and servicing. All models offer full circle or 40° to 360° adjustable arcs. G60 Series Low pressure sprinkler; low precipitation rates • 3T to 67' radius G70 Series Mid-range rotor • 33' to 76' radius G90 Series Widest coverage • 69' to 97' radius H u n t e r G o l f Valves ICV Glass-filled nylon construction • Pressure rated to 200 PSI HBV Solid brass with built-in flow control • Pressure rated to 200 PSI V is ta Central C ontrol System w ith 3D G raphics Reality-based animated software program permits a superintendent to view the entire course on his computer monitor from a “golf cart perspective.” Vista’s flow management capability incorporates the characteristics of your system and re-balances irrigation flow daily. • Optimizes pump efficiency and minimizes watering window automatically • Monitors and senses problems in the field • Reacts in real-time, making programming and flow balancing adjustments daily G e n e s is C entral C ontrol A powerful, yet easy to use Windowsbased system, Genesis features full pro­ gramming and communications with radio or hardwire field controllers, data retrieval units and weather stations from a single location. Fully expandable. • Genesis Central Control can handle a 9-hole golf course, a 36-hole resort complex and more • True two-way command communications • Manages up to 999 field controllers G e n e s is /V is ta F ield C o n tro llers Fully-featured controllers operate as stand-alones or part of a complex network. Modular design allows quick and easy field upgrades to 60 stations and to a central-ready hardwire or radio-equipped controller. • Most advanced range of features • Stainless steel or plastic enclosures • Pedestal or new wall mount G e n e s is V ik in g Two-W ire D ec o d e rs A cost-effective solution for many courses, this single two-wire cable system installs over an entire course and connects decoders with both select and power valves and/or electric valve-in-head sprinklers. • Each controller handles up to 103 stations • Hardwire or radio communications G e n e s is D a ta R e trie v a l Connect the “real world” to your control system with up to six sensors, including flow, wind speed and direction, rain and contact closures. Offers multiple controller capabilities and input for system status, custom reports and more. • Monitor data live or store in non­ volatile memory Authorized Hunter Distributor ÎBÊSCOm CONNECTICUT IRRIGA TION - WA TER SYSTEM S East Hartford, 80 Thomas Street, 860-528-9182 Milford, 110 Raton Drive, 203-878-0658 Dogs of summer In my travels, one of the most talked about problems on many golf courses, as well as other business, is the lack of labor. There is plenty of work but not enough employees. The tight labor market has brought out the best in golf superintendents’ unique ability to deal with crisis situa­ tions. Remember the drought, the flood, the irrigation leaks, the irriga­ tion pump failure. Please meet Agusta T. Goosechaser, a/k/c, a work dog and friend that never complains. Dennis Houle, superinten­ dent at Redding CC, goes on to praise 8-year old Gus who has a free run of the course. Gus will lay sod, drive the John Deere loader, and Dennis’ golf car. Oh, yes, Gus also chases geese. With all of his duties, it was difficult interviewing Gus. However, a tip led me to the club snack bar where Gus is a regular for lunch. Gus, a Golden Retriever, was obtained from Gail Donahue (wife of Mike Dona­ hue) who breeds Golden retrievers. Gus has a sister, Angie, who lives with Les and Mary Jo Kennedy. Next year, Dennis may be working for Gus, as Gus may consider running (pun intended) for club president. May Golf Results Oronoque Country Club No matter how long I have been supervising people, I never cease to be amazed and frustrated at how seem­ ingly simple instructions can be Note from John Motycka, wrongly interpreted or overlooked. Golf Chairperson Such was the case at Oronoque where written instructions stating "No At Oronoque CC, 66 players com­ Duplicate Winners’ were overlooked peted. Host Ward Weischet, CGCS, was nice to us as pin placements on by the golf shop. In this case, the problem developed when the person those tricky greens were generally who read the instructions, delegated kind. Imagine what might have been. the job to someone who did not. At the time, I did not feel it appropriate to stop the presentation as the winners were being G O LF IRRIGATION SERVICES, me. announced, but I now P.O. Box 505, 103 McCracken Road, Millbury, MA 01527 wish I had done so. At any rate, here are Art de A tienza 508-756-5903 the proper winners. Fax 508-757-8626 IRRIGATION SYSTEM SPECIALISTS April Golf Results Norwich Golf Course Shamble Gross/Net Gross winners 1st - C. Mauro & W. Weischet 2nd - M. McDermott & E. DeStefano 3rd - K. Angilly & R. Smith Net winners 1st - M. Dukette & C. Mauro 2nd - J. Ruzsbatzsky & S. Moran 3rd - M. Howland & Dave Crader 4th - M. Chevrier & S. Chevrier Special Games Closest to Pin #9, J. Moran Closest to Pin #15, J. Ruzsbatzsky Longest Drive #11, M. Decker Straightest Drive #11, M. Howland Longest Put #2, M. Comicelli Longest Putt #17, R. Hetherington Kickers #2 Jud Smith & Greg Moore Eric Johnson & Roy Sibley M. Comicelli & P. Legault S. Rackliffe & Ted Tighe Gross Winners (A, B, C & D Flights, respectively) Front - M. Chrzanowski, W. Weischet, S. Deubel, D. Basconi Back - S. Moran, T. Watroba, T. Baviello, S. Gennings 18 - T. Rogers, C. Mauro, M. Sullivan - A. La Prise Not Winners (flights, respectively) Front - G. Stent, T. Ainsworth, S. Donovan, K. Williams Back - B. Mobeck, S. Ramsay, K. D’Amico, B. Skelly 18 - B. Pope, J. Callahan, J. Malay, G. Drewery Slip, Slop, Slap . . . (continued from p a g e 3) sun exposed areas like the ears but can also develop within scars or lesions; they tend to be more aggressive and can spread, “ears are high risk areas for skin cancer because these cancers spread more readily to other parts of the body,” explains Weinstock. “We did a study eight years ago that found many of the people who had died had squamous cells start on the ear.” They are usually small, round, slightly raised, and red and crusty. Often there is a sore in the cancer that does not heal. M alignant m elanom a: This is the most dangerous form of skin can­ cer. While only about 14 percent of skin cancers are malignant melanoma, this type accounts for the majority of deaths. (Approximately 47,700 people will be diagnosed with melanoma this year and 7,700 will die from it.) Melanoma begins in the skin cells that produce skin coloring, which is why these cancers tend to be mixed shades of tan, brown and black. Those who are darker-skinned are less likely to get this disease; however, it can develop on their hands, soles of the feet, and under the nails. Melanomas are usually found on sun-exposed skin, but can appear on other parts of the body. Often they begin in or near a mole or dark spot on the skin and spread quickly to other parts if not detected early. Since most people have an average of 25 moles, how do you know which ones to worry about? An ordinary mole is an evenly colored brown, tan, or flesh colored spot in the skin. It can be flat or smooth and has sharply defined borders. Remembering the “ABCD rule” may help you identify abnormal moles: Asymmetry (one half does not match the other half); Border irregularity (edges are ragged, uneven, blurred); Color (not uniform, may have shades of brown, black, blue, or red); Diameter (is wider than 1/4 inch or is growing larger). The best protection against skin cancer is to know the terrain of your skin and take simple steps to incorpo­ rate sun safety habits into your daily routine. As Weinstock recommends, “We don91want you to be a couch potato, but we don't want you to be a baked potato, either” (For information or materials about sun safety contact the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or call 1800-ACS-2345.) We would like to thank the members o f GCSA o f New England for sharing this article . BUILT TO LAST, Con Vault’s patented system protects your fuel within a steel primary tank wrapped in a 30 mil poly liner, reinforced within a six-inch concrete vault. Over 31,000 ConVault remain in service today without a single system failure. Connecticut Golf Courses with ConVault Fuel Storage Connecticut Golf Courses with ConVault Fuel Storage Pine Orchard C .C . Black Hall G o lf Pine Valley G o lf Candlewood C .C . Portland West C .C . of Avon Portland G o lf Course C .C . of New Canaan Quarry Ridge C .C . of Waterbury Rock Rimmon C .C . C .C . of Farmington Shuttle Meadow Crestwood Park Silver Springs C .C . Darien C .C . Southington C .C . Farmingbury G o lf Tashua Knolls Farms Country Club Timberland G o lf Fenwick G o lf T.P.C. at River Highlands Grassy Hill C .C . The Patterson Club Great River G o lf Tum blebrookC.C. Harbour View Wampanoog C .C . Hop Brook G o lf Washington Club Hopmeadow C .C . Watertown G o lf Hunter G o lf Indian Springs Innis Arden Madison C .C . O ak Lane C .C . Old Lyme C .C . Wethersfield C .C . Tanks UL 2085 Listed CONCRETE PRODUCTS» 173 Church Street,Yalesville,CT 0 6 4 9 2 (203) 2 6 9 -3 1 1 9 • Fax (203) 2 65 -4 9 4 1 Web Site: www.unitedconcreie.com Westwood G o lf Course Woodbridge C .C . Woodway C .C . The Orchard SERVICING NEW ENGLAND WITH TURF EQUIPMENT & IRRIGATION SUPPLIES SIN SALES REPRESENTATIVE 1- 800- 348-4661 BILL BARRETT - EASTERN MAINE, SOUTHEASTERN NEW HAMPSHIRE (800) 348-4661 X127 BRETT ARM STRONG CONNECTICUT (800) 348-4661X160 LARRY BUNN - CENTRAL & WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS (800) 348-4661X125 GEORGE WISE - CONNECTICUT, (800) 348-4661X173 GEORGE GORTON - IRRIGATION S4 CONNECTICUT (800) 348-4661 X161 BOB HOBBS - WESTERN MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE (800) 348-4661X145 COD & SERVICE GREG HENNESSY - 1] (800) 348-4661 X: JOHN LENHART - EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS (800) 348-4661X128 CHUCK MERSE (800) 348-4661 XT EY - IRRIGATION SALES GREG ALBANEI (800) 348-4661 XT - IRRIGATION SALES MIKE H A N N IG A N - SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS & RHODE ISLAND (800)348-4661X126 BLAYR CROWLEY - VERMONT & WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS (800) 348-4661X142 RAY VINCENT - IRRIGATION SALES & SERVICE (800) 348-4661 X ll l SPECIALIZING IN LEASING TURFS GATION SERVICE SAWTELLE BROTHERS, INC. 65 G lenn Street, L aw rence, M A 01843 Telephone: (978) 682-9296 • Fax: (978) 683-9198 PARTS: (978) 683-3086 • 1-800-999-TURF (8873) Inside the GCSAA boardroom Fresh S o l u t io n s B etter T urf M anagem ent Use FreshPack’"and B io Ject microbial programs for improved plant health. Environmentally safe and university tested, these pro­ grams help your turf stand up to the rigors of heavy play, temperature stress, and disease pressure. Featured programs include: ™ What a beautiful set of roots! Let Recharge help you build your root system.. See the dif­ ference on YO U R course! Reopen ™ Open up your soil and let it b r e a t h e / Apply Reopen to oxygenate your soil. Oxygen will disrupt anaerobic conditions that can lead to black layer. And Reopen’s microbes will improve soil structure for increased percolation and root penetration. Contact Joe Stahl or your local Turf Partners representative at 800-228-6656 3ECOs o n . vmM.ecosoil.com PARTAC GOLF COURSE TOP-DRESSING show, GCSAA has received signifi­ cant member feedback, which has helped to mold the latest changes and ongoing development of the PDI. As the Membership chairman, it was my job to report recommendations generated during the Membership Committee’s April meeting. Among them were to: * Devise an alternative Class A entry path for superintendents who do not have at least a two-year turf de­ gree. This might include such things as requiring that they have more ex­ perience and continuing education credits. * Award membership credits to su­ perintendents who act as mentors to budding turf professionals, e.g., in­ terns. * Require Class A members to have an appropriate pesticide license or to pass a GCS AA-developed exam. In other PDI discussions, we decided: * Ongoing requirements will in­ clude such things as credits for contin­ uing education and industry-related ser­ vice. * Use of the HR Web, now called the Professional Development Re­ source (PDR), will not be required, just strongly encouraged, possibly by Dursban AMERICA'S P R E M IU M HEAT TREATED TOP-DRESSINGS 1Y M R * CEOTEXTILES & TURE BLANKETS U.S. GOLF HOLE TARGETS" AND MUCH MORE! 800-247-2326 DISTRIBUTED IN CT BY: JAMES CARRIERE & SONS 914-937-2136 VALLEY FARMS SUPPLY 860-651-8555 (continued from page 2) for — offering credits. PDR is an online competency evaluation tool designed to allow superintendents to assess their on-the-job effectiveness and tar­ get specific areas for improvement * Members will be given credit for educational programs taken locally or nationally. The PDI still has a way to go be­ fore it’s put into effect. It will be dis­ cussed again at upcoming committee meetings in July and at the Delegates Meeting in September. Prior to the Delegates meeting, the membership will be sent a document that details the latest proposal. Mem­ bers are encouraged to review this ma­ terial and contact their delegate with comments. Look for more details about the MSRG meeting in the July issue of Newsline. Also know that, as a GCSAA member, you can learn more about our board and MSRG meetings by vi­ siting the association website— www.gcsaa.org—and logging on to the members-only section. Tim O’Neill, CGCS Country Club of Darien (Tel: 203/655-9726) (continued from p a g e 1) existing residential structures (post-construction). Use of products affected by this agreement will be allowed until existing stocks are depleted. Use of chlorpyrifos in the U.S. as a termiticide for spot and local treatment will be allowed until December 31, 2002. Chlorpyrifos will remain available in the U.S. for use as a termiticide for new residential construction (pre-treat) until December 31, 2005. This date may be extended, however, based on the results of an exposure study specific to this application. Retail sale of chlorpyrifos products in the U.S. will be allowed until December 31,2001. Chlorpyrifos will remain available for various U.S. nonresidential uses such as golf courses and ornamental nurseries as well as for all U.S. crop uses except tomatoes. The agreement includes refinements in agricultural applications that result in a reduction of chlorpyrifos resides in the U.S. on apples and grapes. This agreement is specific to the U.S. sale and use of clorpyrifos. fo x